Saltwater crocodile sighting at Lake Kununurra

The Department of Parks and Wildlife today advised Kununurra residents and visitors to remain on alert following a confirmedestuarine (saltwater) crocodile sighting.

A crocodile measuring between 2.5-3m was seen and photographed inside the Lake Kununurra crocodile risk mitigation area on Monday 21July 2014.

Wildlife officer Mathew Byers said the crocodile is somewhere upstream of Carlton Gorge.

“The department is attempting to locate and remove the crocodile from the area and warning signs have been placed at the lake’s popular swimming spots,” Mr Byers said.

“An animal of this size poses a significant safety risk and we urge adults, their children and pets to stay out of the water and away from the water’s edge in all areas upstream from Crossing Falls boat ramp.”

Mr Byers said estuarine crocodiles were highly mobile animals that could move great distances over land and in the water.

Parks and Wildlife staff have installed a crocodile trap within Lake Kununurra close to the last sighting and are conducting regular patrols.

Members of the public who see a crocodile are asked to take note of the location and immediately report it to the Parks and Wildlife office in Kununurra on 9168 4200.

Estuarine and freshwater crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

They live in coastal rivers and creek systems, and often occur in open sea and around islands.

Estuarine crocodiles also move inland along major rivers, floodplains, billabongs and into freshwater, rivers, creeks and swamps, which are habitats mostly associated with freshwater crocodiles.